Winter Rejects Smotrich's Offer, Refuses to Quit Knesset Race

Brigadier General (Res.) Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Amcha Yisrael' party, has rejected an offer from Religious Zionism party leader and Minister Bezalel Smotrich to withdraw from the Knesset race in exchange for a ministerial position. Winter stated, "We did not come for a job. I will not change my position and will not yield, not now and not in the future." Smotrich had urged Winter to step aside to prevent vote loss for the right-wing bloc, warning that Winter's party was unlikely to pass the electoral threshold. He compared the current political situation to the 1992 and 2019 elections, where he claimed splitting the camp led to negative outcomes.

Smotrich's proposal included granting Winter full authority, budgets, and staff for two new directorates within the Ministry of Defense. One directorate would manage voluntary immigration from Gaza, with statutory powers and coordination across multiple government bodies. The second would focus on recruiting Haredim into employment and the military, including pre-military programs and integration into the workforce.

Smotrich emphasized that his offer was intended to give Winter a real position of influence, not to push him out of public life. He recalled previously proposing a joint run with Winter before party lists were finalized and urged him to "show national responsibility" and "lead truly, not settle for a protest vote."

Earlier, Moti Leitner, chairman of 'The Haredi Public,' also announced he would not withdraw from the race despite reported pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Leitner stated, "I am under heavy pressure, and Prime Minister Netanyahu asked that we meet. But I am not withdrawing, we are running with full force. The monopoly of Shas and United Torah Judaism has ended."

Winter had previously clarified his intention not to unite with "incumbent politicians." This follows an earlier union between Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin, and reports that Netanyahu and Smotrich were pressuring Winter to unite to avoid risking votes within the pro-Netanyahu bloc. At that time, Winter was reportedly offered the second spot on Smotrich's list, other reserved slots, and positions within the Likud party.